Case-filling machine



C. H. WILD. CASE FILLING MACHINE. FILED IIIAII. I. I9I9.

Jan., 23, 1923,

fID

Jan.. 23, 1923,.

C. H. VVlLD. CASE FILLING MAcHlNE.

ED MAR\1|19\9.

Jan. 23, 1923.

C. H. WILD.

CASE FILLING MACHINE.

FILED MAH` l. 1919.

Jan. 23, 1923. y LMISJIM.

C. H. WILD.

CASE FILLING MACHINE.

FlLED MAR.1,1919. 5 sHEETs-sHEE14.

Jan. 23, 1923.

c. H. WILD.

CASE FILLING MACHINE..

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5- FILED MAR l. 1919.

Tojall whom# concern.'

'sans .11th, enamoran, mann, assrcrnon 'ro nuntrruacrnn coinrana, rnecnrornn, a eonrona'rrcn or maarnaam.

caanrrttrne nennen.

Be it 'known that l, Gnarles Jbl. WILD, a citizen of the llnited Statesjof Amerlca, residing in the city iof Baltimore, State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Case-Filling Machines, of which the following is a specifilib type of this disclosed in ttt ' eter' and the number of the in the path of the toa more uniform, continuous,

`cation.

'llhis invention relates to a machine for lling cases or boXes with cans, cartons, bottles or the' like, and is of the general United States Patents No. 1,152,997 of September 7, 1915, and No. 1,253,997 of January 15, 1918.

Broadly, it: consists of a-. loading or filling plunger, means for retaining the cans plunger in a group of number and form to fit the case, means' for leading the `cans to the retaining means, positioning'and supporting means for the casing in line with the path of the plunger, and means for actuating the plunger to move the 'cans as .grouped from the group ing means to and into the case o-r box.

The present machine, though' it has the essentials of the Amachines of the prior patents, includes important additional features and improvements which contribute satisfactory and efficient operation.

The principal'o'bjects are to produce a machine. which is rnot subject to cramping of the receptacles or cans, which is capable -of handling withoutv injury or crushing all receptacles, containers, cartons or cans whether they be lled, i. e., closed at both ends or empty and open'at one end or variouysly flanged as in the case of cans arranged forsoldcrless closure and which without any backward thrust of the supply is capable of handling the cans, ypackages and receptacles labeled for shipment in all instances without injuring the most fragile package or scraping or otherwise damaging the lbels, particularly by the loading stroke which removes the cans from the path of the supply.

Another kimportant consideration is the production ofa machine'l which is adjustable as toall 'dimensions .which limit the size of the loa-d both' as to the length .and diamcans 'orpackages handled so n .Capable of handling cansvv of diderent .lengths and diameters 1 ent device by forward out that a single machine iis' yand packing them in differhpplfcation tiled March 1; 1919. aerial No'. annata. Y

` ent sied lcases holding diderent numbers of cans.

More particularly, the embodies novel features by virtue of which the cans, the term being used in a broad' sense as applying t'o cans, bottles, paper` boxes, bottles wrapped in paper, and all packages which would be shipped in cases or boxes and arranged for shipment as cans are packed land arranged for the. same pur pose, are grouped in the path of the plunger and Separated from those on the track, ways or conveyor, leading to bywhichthey are held-so grouped, without imparting to them any backward thrust which tends to cause cramping, interruptionto the sup-ply and crushing of the articles.

Another feature of the new machine is a device, whereby scraping or rubbing of 'the articles to be packed upon each other to a point where the lots are divided is prevented. This end is effected inthe presa motion imparted to the can stop, so that the group or load when cut H by the separator is permitted to move of Contact with the supply, the forward motion taking place just after the 'operation of the separator prior to the forward stroke of the plunger.

present machine the retaining means ln the accompanying drawing I have illustrated a machine embodying the varivous features of my invention. In this drawmg* Figure 1 is-a plan view `of the machine.

Figure 2 is an elevation looking at the machine from the end toward which the cans are fed.

Figure 3 is a side elevation looking from' the left in Figure 2, the receiving end being broken away.

,'F-igu're 4 is a side elevation of the end of the machine broken away in Figure 3 taken fromv the opposite side.

Figure 5 is an elevation of the escapement lock controlling the can stop looking from the right in Figure 3. Figure 6. is a front view of .Figure 7 is' a ing.

the same; and plan of the separator geareferring to the drawings bynumerals, each-of which has the same significance in the different figures, the frame of the machine as illustrated `rconsists of a-,central member 1 known as yoke, to the opposite I. -sides of which are secured .parallel steel bars l 2, 3 known as'sidev bars,.to which are .se-

curedvarious uprights Carr/ying the tracks,-

shelves, etc.,compos1ng the grouping .means and the `means for leading Ithe articles toA be' 'acked tothe grouping means.

orespecii'cally, the side bars carry a the left in Figure -1` upright plates 4 and 5 of the bars. Thesel side plates have feet 6,l

known as theg'front and back side plates, .respective1y,'one secured. to each bar and having-their surfaces parallel to the length 7 resting each ,onthe correspondin sidebar top by a transverse 4member l10y which may be duplicated and made in several lengthsA to provide Jfor thedifferenoes of adjustment,

v and these are further .spaced by likewise Y, of angle irons.

variable studslO and 10".

The direction. of feed of the cans .or arti-cles being packed is from left to right as seen in Figuresl and 3. Progressing now in the direction of the feed we come next to the front and rear shelf and track supports 11 and 12,.resp 'ectively. These are uprights each secured at its foot to the corresponding side bar andthe front member 11 is made adjustable at right angles to the side bars as is the front/side plate 4, the foot 13 being slotted for" this purpose at 14. At the eXtreme end ofthe machine in the direction of the feed I have an'uprght frame 16 having a solid ba'se17 which fits between the side bars' and is rigidly secured as by bolts 18 engaging a transverse bar 19 which is drawn by the bolts upward a ainst the bottom-sides of the side bars. his end member or frame 16 has uprights 20 at front and rear, and a transverse top connecting member 21.

The side plates 4 and 5 and the track supporting members 11 and 12 carry a series of horizontal tracks 25 'shown as composed A The adjustment of thesel tracks as to their width to accommodate cans of different lengths is provided for by adjustment of the side plate 4 and the support 11, that is, the adjustment transversely .of the side bars of the rear side plate and the rear support just described. The members 11 and 12 are secured together at the top by a strut 12 made in diierent lengths and interchangeable. These tracks are also made'adjustablein a vertical direction, i. e., the upper two tracks as shown are so adjustable to provide for variation in the diameter of the cans or packages to be packed. This adjustment in the form of the invention shown is of the ordinary screw and slot type, the screws being indicated by reference character 26 and slots by reference character 27v but 'a means .of--, determining this adjustment as toy certain points is provided by swinging plates 28 pivoted at 29 andhaving arcuate slots 30 concentric with saidfpivots. This makes/it possible to give the tracks these different adjustments uickly'and conveniently providing for. diferent diameters and lengths of packages andcans.

In the statement of invention wehave re- -ferred to means forretalning the cans in the" pat'h of the plunger and holding them grouped in an arrangement to fit the case or box in which they are to be packed. This means consists of the shelves 31, 32, 33, the separators 38, 39,40 and the can stops 35, 36, 37 to be described. The lower shelf is more properly the bed of the machine or bottom plate which is stationary. The upper and middle shelves 31 and 32'are adjustable tov provide 'for variation in the diameter of the cans or packages being packed. In the present instance the feed end of the upper .shelf and the feed end of the middle shelf 'cross bars 42, 43 secured to theupriglits 2() of the rearfeed frame, and these are made adjustable by providing a series oholes 44 for the bolts 45 by which they are secured.

Adjustment of the length of the group of cans. i. e., the length of each tier oi cans is accomplished by moving the end frame 16 along the side bars 2, 3, the same being clamped by means of the bolts 18 already described seated in the cross bar 19. This end frame is positioned by means of a pin 4.0 to be inserted in any of a series of holes 50.

The loading operation is accomplished by the plunger or multiple plungers 46, 4T, 48

lwhich are made adjustable as to their length,

sition by bolts 53 fitted to a series of holes 54 in the castings and angles. The adjustment of the plungers corresponds to the adjustment of the end frame and provides for the handlingy of varying numbers of cans in a tier or tiers of varying length due to packing cans of different diameters, and the adjustment of the can stop arms and separator arms vertically on their shafts. as hereinafter described, corresponds to the vertical adjustment of the shelves and the tracks` and provides for the handling of cans and packages ofv different diameters` and ii' desired may be arranged to provide for a different number of tiers.

1t will also be noted in this connection llO jammer l' l 'l J that the can stop arms 56 are adjustable vertically on their shaft 57, and the separator arms are vertically adjustable on their shaft /59 A `The plungers, the can stops and the separators with their actuating means will be more specifically described.

The plunger group consistsof what may be termed a plunger body 60 in the form of an upright plate to which are secured three horizontally projecting plungercastings 52 each in the form of a .frame projecting at right angles to said plate inward toward1 the centre of the machine and having an elongated plunger member 46, 47 48 extending transversely at its inner extremity, i. e., the plunger members 46,47, 48 are parallel to the side bars 2, 3, and to these plunger members 46, 47, 48 are secured the aforesaid angles or lengthening members 5l. Each plunger corresponds to a she-lf or rather to the space above the shelf, the lower plunger movingover the machine bed A33. The plunger body member or plate 60 is provided near the centre of the surface opposite to that on which the plunger members 52 are carried, with ears 61 carrying a pin 62 to which is journaled the jaw 63 at the upper end of the plunger arm 64, the said arm being pivoted at its lower extremity 65 to the rear end of rearwardly extending arm 65 of a depending bracket 66 formed on the yoke. This bracket also carries the axis 67 of a bell crank lever 67, the horizontal arm of which carries at its extremity a`treadle 68, the upright arm 69 of this lever being connected by a rod 70 with an intermediate point 711 on the plunger arm 464. A'spring 71 secured at one end to the horizontal arm 67 and at the other end to the frame of the machine tends'to raise the treadle and withdraw the plunger, the reverse action being accomplished-by the downward pressure of the foot on the treadleln the operation of filling the cases or boxes with cans orl packages, the articles forming ,each group are separated from the` supply and loaded into the case at the corresponding stroke of the plunger .or plungers; that is, each stroke is a complete operation of cutting oil loading and feeding for the next stroke. rThe cutting off of the load is accomplished by means of the separators already referred to in connection with the description of the combined adjustments. More particularly, the 'separating mechanism consists of an upright separator shaft 59 carrying the separator arms 38,739, 40 extending transversely of the shaft and adjjistable along the shaft, that is, in a direc'- tion transverse to the feed. @ne of these arms corresponds to each tiert of cans or packages. Each arm in the form of the invention shown is mounted on a hub or boss' .mittent type having at the point4 where the 4teeth counter-clockwise until adapted a slide along al@ Sima for par.

poses of adjustment and heldin position by,

a set screw 76. .Secured to the lower end of the shaft is the toothed gear 77 of the inter- 80. rllhe teeth of'this idler mesh withthe teeth of the gear 77 and with the teeth of a segment 81 which swings on a stud 82 actuated by-apin83 carried on the plunger carriage and co-operating with a ca m slot 85 in the segment. 4

'llhe gears are so arranged that as the plunger moves forward the action of the vpin 83 on the cam slot- 85, swinging the segment 8l to the left, rotates the gear 80 tothe right or clockwise and the gear 77 to the left or the convex portion 79 on the' gear 80 engages the concave portion 78 on the gear 77,'locking the parts against rotation. 'In this position of the parts, the separator arms 38, 39, 40 intersect the path of the cans and preferably engage the rst can of the supply on each tier, thus' separating the supply back of the separator from the load in front of the plunger. 1n this connection it should be noted that while the separator arms are thus moved into. the path of the cans and preferably brought into contact with certain cans in the supply which it is desired to cut oit". from the group in front of the plunger, they are merely brought in contact and not thrust against these members so as to force the supply backward along the track or conveyor.

1t will be apparent that on the withdrawal of the plunger and plunger carriage, the pin 83, againcooperating with the cam slot 85, will return the mechanism to the position illustrated in Figure '1. The locking elfectwproduced by the engagement of the l convex portion 79 with the concave portion 78, being such that while it resists any tendency to rotation imparted to the gear 77, as by pressure of the cans onthe arms 38, 39, 40, it is easily released by rotation of the gear 80 swinging the convex portion 79 out of contact with the concave portion '78 carried by the gear 77. rThe motion of the segment is also limited by the stationary pin 58 in the arcuate slot 58 in the segment.

Cio-operating with the separators and with 'the plungers in this machine, we have the drawal .of the separator arms from the path of the can supply, the can stops are thrust forward or more .I properly movedjin a recti'o'n opposite t`o the. feed,-iawhichposition they receive and arrestI .the foremost canadvancing to ll the space in gw-hich the cans are grouped in the patho the plunger. `from whifcht removed, having lbeen thrust Ailrito'ljthe' packv ingiunnel. The can stopsfremain in the ade I previous load` .ha`sjust been vanced position, receiving and' holdingthc cans as described untilthe plunger hasbeen withdrawn and starts on its return stroke.

-Then after the Separator arms are actuated.

and caused to l'engage the foremost cans of thesupply for the purpose of cutting off. the

group4 in front fof the piston rom'thesupply, .the can stops are withdrawn-a short dis.-

tance 'to permit the cans of the group thus cut-oil"` to advance in the direction of the feed v the-'group is thrust` forward by t e-plunger or lungers.

. yhis is accomplished the following groupof mechanlsnn:` The can stops 35, 36, .37 are .mounted each onone of'-'.three horizontal arms 56, each secured by a set screw 90 to the' upright shaft`57. -This .shaft i which has its bearings in the end frame '16,

- plunger "by'fthe spring 92 whichixacts upon" has at its lower extremity or more properly jst about the lower bearing an arm 93 pro- 'ecting nearly atlrightangles to the arms 56.'

his arm isgiven a tendency to swing forward'fin the; direction ofthe stro-ke of the the lowercan stop lever tending to pull this lever-jand swing' theA other can stop levers .with theend of the lever 93.' -Thislever and` hence the action fstopsjislfurther controlledby an automatic backwardV inthe direction of the can feed. .The swingof the lever 93 imparting the forward motion tof' the can stops, 'the motion bringing'. them up to the position in which they first receivethe cans, i. e., the motion contrary to the can feed, is produced during` .the withdrawal of the plunger, the plunger itself br' more properly the lower righthand angle iron extension 51' coming in contact of the can latchffand escapement mechanism`I` indicated "infafff eneral way 'by reference character 94 and-i ustrated in detail in Figures 5 and 6,

Figure`5 beinv a' view looking at this mechanlsmjroni tle, right in Figurel 3, and Figure 6.being aview looking at the same mech- A anism from the directionof the ront yof the machin efff-'lhe -fun'ction of this latch and es` capement'is' toh'old the can stops stationary in the advanced= position in which they receivefthecans The period during which they yare thus' held corresponds to that in which the plunger is, ormore properly the` plungeis are in retracted position, which separators`38, 39,

coincides'w'ith the Ariod during which the are withdrawn, the pin 83 .bein at or near the rear lend ofthe slot 85 of t e separator mechanism. Figures 5 and 6 show fragmentarily' the end of .the lower plunger in 'withdrawn position and in the relation which it occupies at this time to the latch mechanism.

VThis latch mechanism consists of a latch member 95-pivoted on the frame or on a suitable bracket thereon at 9 5,'a.nd an es-A capement or ,pawl member 96 pivoted on the latch at 96 both swinging in a `vertical' plane' parallell or substantially parallel to the motion of the plunger. This pawl or es"- capement 96 engages a stop pin` 100 on the latch and is normally held in contact with the stop by a tension/spring 97 which engages the latch and a stationary guide bracket 99 on lthe frame to be hereinafter described..The pawl 96 has a fiat Tear sur-y face 96 which is vertical when the escapement-or pawl is in normal position, i. e.,

resting .against the pin 100, and an inclined face 96" which is forwardly disposed. The spring 97-controls not only the escapement pawl 96 but `the'latch 95 upon which the escapement is mounted, for in normal position .the escapement is rigid with` the latch 'and the spring imparts to 4the latch a tendency to counter-clockwise rotation as viewed in F igure 5. The angle iron 'extension 51 on the plungerengages the en'd of the can.stop actuating lever 93, swinging it backward and bringing the can stops into forward position, i. e., moving them in a direction opposite to the can .feed. `This lever is engaged by the vertical ldepending flan of the angle, as shown, particularly in `igure 6, at a point spaced inward from the end, and at the extreme end 98 ofthe angle, the vertical flange is removed, leaving the flat or horizontal end 98 to co-operate with the escapement and latch.

.To return to the operation, the plunger having been withdrawn, swinging the Vlever 93 to its extreme rearmost position and brin in the can stops forward to the point at w ic vthey receive the cans released by the separators, the latch 95, impelled by the spring 97 which actuates both the escapement andthe latch as alread pointed out, swings downward in front o the lever 93, a notch 101 in the rearmost end of the latch receiving and engaging the top foremost corner of the corresponding'section of this lever. -This position of the parts, particularlyl the can stops, is predetermined but adjustable by moving frame 16 providing' for the feeding in front of the plunger of a load of cans which exactly fits between the' rear sto s in this position and the separators. igures 5, 6 and 7 sho`w these parts in corresponding positions, that is, the sep arators are withdrawn from the path of the Supply;

natanti" cans and the can stops are advanced and held in advanced position at the same period, i. e., at the rear end of the plunger stroke so that the load is positively measured. lmrnediately the plunger begins to advance on the forward or loadin stroke, the separa.- tors are actuated as wi l be observed by exarninationI of Figure 7, the rean end of the cam slot 85 being the separator actuating portion and the front end the locking portion of the stroke. 'lhe action of the can stops is almost simultaneous 'with that of the separators; in other words, asthe plunger moves forward, the end 98 of the plunger extension engages the rear 96" of the escapement pawl 96, swinging the latch clockwise about its center 95', releasing the lever 9,3 so that the spring 92, acting on the lower can sto arm, draws the can stops 35, 36, 37 slightly to the rear, providing the clearance referred to. The bracket 99 with its inclined forward surface 102 projecting forward toward the center of the machirie, acts as a guide for the plunger to prevent the end 98 of the angle 51 from being forced upward by the resistance of the latch. 'llhe function of the escapement proper is exercised on the return stroke of the plunger. At this time the rear end of the latch 95 Ais resting on top of the lever 93. As the flat end 98 of the angle 51 encounters the escape- :ment 96, it engages the inclinedl surface 96" thereof and the spring 97 yields, permitting the escapement to swing in counter-clockwise' direction about'its pivot 96', so that the parts return totheir locked position without injury. As the plunger reaches thev end of its rearward traverse, it brings the lever 93 again to the position illustrated, in Figures 5 and 6, and the latch 95, impelled by the spring 97, swings in front of the lever which is again engaged by the notch 101 at the rear end of the latch.

The object of thus manipulating the can stops is to first measure the load by a predetermined spacing between the separators and the advanced position of the can stops', and the purpose of moving them backward is to cause them to clear the of the supply without any necessity for pushing the supply lbackwards 4which has resulted in cramping and hence cutting off the and in crushing of the containers. By thus providing a clearance, rubbing of the containers and damaging of the labels and other injury which would otherwise result, is prevent. ll

Having further reference to the details of the machine, it will be noted that instead of the old style chute by means of which the cans are led to the case, I have in the present instance provided a funnel 104 tapered near its mouth at 104. .This makesV it possible to pack the cans much more closely which is regarded .as important to foremost cans the use of paper bores which are beingA largely substituted for the old-fashioned wooden cases. 'llo operate effectively for the purpose described, -this funnel'must be of thin material, and to give' it the necessary rigidity, is corru ated at 1011, the corrugations being paral el to the filling stroke and intervening between the lines of cans. Also in the line oftfurther adjustability, the tunnels are made in did'erent sizes to conform to the diderent sized cases, and are made detachable, being secured by bolts 105 in brackets 106 beneath the funnel 10A. The cases or boxes while being filled, are supported on suitable supports or brackets107 provided with rollers 108 and beneath the funnel with rollers 109 supported on springs 110, so that the cases are held against the funnel with a yielding pressure.

Another detail of lmportance in connection with the adjustability of the machine relates to the provision of bridges 112. rll`his subject-matter is best shown in Figure l on the front or reverse side of the m'achine from that illustrated in Figure 3. These bridges, preferably in the 'form of angle plates as shown extending in the direction of feed at each side, are of diderent lengths and interchangeable by reason of a number of holes 113 receiving triumb screws 11A. These bridges are maldezsj ort for the large diameter cans to prevent bridging or closing of the space throughwhich the cans are fed into the -lowertiers and long to prevent double feeding of the small cans. The angles are placed on each side of the feed space to correspond to the tracks.

Another' feature of the invention relates to the connection of the run-down by which the cans are fed to the tracks. The rundown orchute 115 carries aspring plate 116 at the side which overlapsthe side plate of the machine and prevents contact of the can with 'the forward edge of the side plate.

rllhe operation of the machinelis similar in a generalway to that of the machines described in applicants prior :patents already cited in this case. The cansyempty or filled, or packages to be loaded into the cases or boxes, are fed to the run-down or chute 115 by. any suitable means as a conveyor or the like. From the run-down or chute 115 the pass to the top track 25. rllo, assist the disl tribution of the cans, the channels 117 and 118 are provided. With l small cans long bridges are used to bridges 112 between prevent double feeding, and with the large cans short bridges are used to prevent bridging of the channel or wedging of the cans inthe channel with lconse uent closing of the channel when it is not lled. An'important feature of the machine is the universal adjustability both as to length" of cans, diameter of cans and number and size of the cans in the load. Thisis ac.

complished by lateral4 adjustment of the front side' plate 4 b means of the slot 9 and bolt 8, and by c angingthe length or point of engagement of connecting studs orspacing of the tracks is changed bythe slot and screw adjustment 26, 27 shown-in Figvure 3, the same being determined by the yarcuate. slots in the 'swinging plates 28 on both sides of the machine, see also Figure 44. As the shelves 31, 32 which support the load as distinguished from the supply, rest at one end on the corresponding tracks, the one adjustment at this point serves for both the tracks and the shelves. The other ends of the shelves are supported on cross bars 42, 43 .in the end frame 16, see Figure 2, and are made adjustable by means of the series of holes 44 to be. engaged by bolts 45. The variation of length of the load is provided for by adjustment lengthwise of the machine, i. e., in the direction of the feed of the cans of the end frame 16, seev Figure 2,'the same being adjusted along the side bars 2 3 by loosening bolts 18. l The separators 38, 39, are also adjustable along their shaft 59 to provide for variation of the size of the cans, etc. The can stops mayv be adjusted by moving the can stop arms l56 up and down theshaft 57, and the length 'of the plungers may be changed by moving the extension members 51, changing the position of the-bolts53 in the holes 54. In fact, the construction of the machine is made so completel flexible as to provide .for

every variation o the size of the packages, the number to be packed and the size of the cases,'it having already been pointed out that the funnel is removable and interchangeable for other size funnels'.

Iny practice the channels 117, 118 which are usually made of suiiicient depth not to require adjustment, are filled `with the cans or packages `which are fedv continuously, keeping the tracks 25 likewise full according to the sequence of operations in the present machine. When the plunger is in its eX- treme rear position the can separators 38, 39, 40 are withdrawn from the path of the cans,

but this period of withdrawal is short as will be obvious from examination of the separator mechamsmFigure 7, particularly the cam, slot. At the same time, the can stops arel locked in forward osition by the esca ement mechanism a read described t e forward position being t e farthest advanced position which these stops as .are being loaded intojthe case by this particular stroke of the plunger to c1ear.the forward cans of'fthe supply and prevent damage, as already pointed out, obviating thernecessity for causing the separators to thrust the cans of the supply1 backwardl to provide this clearance with the danger of crushing the cans and of cramping them and thus interrupting the feed.

Having thus described my invention, what l claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a machine for filling cases with cans or packages, havin a loading means, means forreciprocating tie same and a feed intersecting the path of the loading means, means for grouping the cans vin the path of the loading means, including a support, a can stop at the end of the support which is rcmote inthe direction of feed, a separator at the opposite end of the support, means for moving the separator into the path of the cans prior to their engagement by said loading means and withdrawing the, separator to permitfeeding of the next group, means for moving the can stop in a direction op posed to the feed and withdrawing it after the separator has entered the path of the cans. Y

2. In a machine for fillingcases with cans and' similar packages, having a `reciprocating plunger and a feed for leading cans into the' path of the plunger, means for grouping the cans for engagement by the plunger consisting of a support, a separator near one end of the support and means for moving the same into and out of the path of the can feed, a can stop adjacent the other end of the support, and means for moving the same i` a direction opposed to the feed while lthe plunger is withdrawn, and withdrawing it prior to the thrust of the plunger.

3. In a' machine for filling cases with cans and similar packages, having a'rcciprocating plunger and a feed for leading cans into` llU lli

lli

fio

maaier i I l tft end of the support, and means for moving the same into and out of the'path of the can feed, a can stop adjacent the other end of the support, means for advancing the can stop in a direction opposed to the feed to receive the cans and determine the number to be cut olf by the separator and withdrawing it after the separator has moved into the path of the cans and prior to the engagement of thedcans b the plun er.

Ll. lin a machine for hlling cases with cans or packages, a plun er, means for actuating the plunger, means or feeding the cans'into the path vof the plunger, an oscillating separator and means for moving the separator into the path of the feed rior to the engagement of the cans by t e plunger, and withdrawing the separator to ermit feeding of the next group, the stroke o the separator hein only' sufficient to stop the cans without th p from which they come.

5. ylin a machine for filling cases with .cans or packages, having a loading plunger, means for reciprocating the same and a feed intersecting the path of the plunger, means for groupln the cans in the path of the plunger, inc uding a support for the cans, a can stop at the end of the support which is remote in the direction of feed, an oscillating separator at the opposite end of the support, means for moving the separator .into the path of the cans prior to their engagement by the plunger and withdrawing the separator to permit feeding of the next group, rthe forward motion of the separator being suicient to stop the cans without imparting any backward motion to them, a stop in the path of the cans and beyond the plunger and means timed 'to `operate after the action of the separator providing for the movement of the stop in the direction of the y feed.

6. ln a machine for loading cases with cans or packages, having a plunger, means for supporting the cans in the path of the plunger and means for feeding them thereto,

a separator for cutting off the load from the supply, the same including a finger, and means for swinging the finger into a position in the path of the cans and substantially at ri ht angles to the feed. l

7. n a machine for loading cases with cans or packages, including a plunger, means for supporting the cans in the path of the plunger and means feeding them thereto, a separator for cutting off the load from the supply, the same including a finger, and means for swinging the fnger into a position in the path of the cans and substantially at right angles to the feed prior to the engagement of the cans by the plunger, and swinging it backward inthe direction of the feed to permit 'feeding of the succeeding load as the plunger is withdrawn. K

rusting them backward in the direction` stop in theP advancedposition of the latter,

t. ln a machine for loading cases with cans or packages, having a lunger, means for supporting the cans in t e path of the plunger and means for feeding themxthereto, a separator for'cutting od the load from the supply, the same including a nger and means actuatin the langer, swinging it into a position in t e path of the cans and substantially at ri ht angles to the feed and swinging it bac rward inthe direction of the feed, the said means for actuating the magerl including a lock for holding the nger rigidly in stopping or separating position in the path of the cans and releasing it. f

9, ln a machine for loading cases with cans or packages having a plunger, means for supporting the cans in the path of the plunger and means for feeding them thereto, aseparator for cutting 4off the load from the supply, the same including a nger and,

means for swinging the nger into a position in the path of the cans, said means including intermittently meshing, toothed' gears ing co-operating locking means.

l0. ln a machine for loading cases with cans or packages, having a plunger, means for supporting the cans in the path of the plunger, and means for feeding them thereto, a separator for cutting ofi" the load from the supply, the same including a finger and 4means for swinging the hnger into a posiffl will

tion in the path of the cans, said means including toothed gearing and a segmentwith a cam slot and a pin carried yby the plunger engaging said slot to vactuate the separator.

11. lin] a machine for loading cases with cans or packages, having a plunger, means for supporting the cansl in the path of the plunger and means for feeding them thereto', a separator for cutting od the load from the supply, the same including a-linger and means for swinging the finger into a position in the path of the cans and substantially at right angles to the feed, said means including toothed gearing and a segment with a cam slot and a pin carried by the plunger engaging said slot to actuate the separator, thegearing having locking means. to hold lhfl lltltl llltl the separator lingerrigi-dly in a position which it takes intersecting the feed.

'12. ln a machine for filling cases with cans or similar packages, a feed, means for grouping the cans as fed. and means for thrusting the cans thus fed and grouped into the case, the grouping means including `fa can stop and a separator, means forymoving the can stop in a direction opposed to lllllli thev feed and withdrawing it while thel plunger is withdrawn, means for moving the separator into the path of the cans prior to the engagement of the'group by the thrusting means and whilethecan stop is advanced, and withdrawing the separator to permit the cans to be fed and to engage the 13. In a machine -for filling cases with cans or similar packages having feeding means and a plunger moving transversely to the feed, a can stop for holding the cans in the path of the plunger and a separator cooperating therewith, means for actuating the can stop, ad-vancing it contrary to the feed and retracting it, said means including a rotary sha ft, an arm secured to the shaft slibstantially at right angles thereto and supporting the stop, an arm on the shaft actuated by the plunger on its withdrawal stroke to move the stop into advanced position, means for locking said arm to hold the can stop in advanced position, and means actuated by the plunger in its forward or thrusting stroke to release said lock.

14. In a machine for filling cases with cans or similar packages, having feeding means and a plunger moving transversely to the feed, a can stop for holding the cans in the path of the plunger and a separator cooperating therewith, means for actuating the can stop, advancingit contrary to the feed and retracting it, said means including a rotary shaft, an arm secured to the shaft substantially at right angles thereto and actuating the stop, an arm on the shaft actuated by the plunger on its withdrawal stroke to move `the stop into advanced position, means for locking the stop in said position, and means actuated by the plunger to release said lock.

15. In a machine for filling cases with cans or similar packages, having feeding means and a plunger moving transversely to the feed, a can stop for holding the cans in the path of the plunger and a separator co-operating therewith. means for actuating the can stop, advancing it contrary to the feed and retracting it, said means including a rotary shaft, an arm secured to the Shaft substantially at right angles thereto and actuating the stop, an arm on the shaft actuated by the plunger on its withdrawal stroke to move the stop into advanced position, means for locking said arm to hold the can stop in advanced position, means actuated by the plunger to release said lock, and means tend ing to move the stop to withdrawn position in the direction of the feed.

16. In a machine for filling cases with 'cans or similar packages, having feeding means and a plunger moving transversely to the feed, a can stop for, holding the cans in the path of the plunger and a separator co* operating therewith, means for actuating the can stop, advancing it contrary to the feed and retracting it. said means including a rotary shaft, an arm securedto the shaft substantially at right angles thereto and actuating the stop, an arm on the shaft actuated by the plunger on its withdrawal stroke to move the stop into advanced position, means for locking saidarm to hold the can stop `in advanced position, and means actuated by the plunger in its forward or thrusting stroke to release said lock.

17. In a case filling machine having a feed, a plunger and aseparator, a can stop, means actuated by the plunger to move the can stop in a direction op osed to the feed to receive Ithe cans, means or holding the ystop in advanced position and means actuated by the plunger on its return or forwardstroke for releasing the can stop permitting the load to move slightly in the direction of feed, separating it from the supply.

18. In a case filling machine having a feed, a plunger and a separator, a can stop, means actuated by the plunger to advance the can stop in a direction opposed to the feed to receive the cans as released by the separator, said means consisting of a pivoted lever extendin into the path of the plunger and actuating the can stop, a latch for locking the said leverI holding the stop in advanced position, and an escapement carried by said latch to be engaged by the plunger on its forward stroke as the load is cut off by the separator to trip the latch and release the can stop, permitting the load to advance in the direction of feed, separating it from the .supply by a space sufficient to prevent the contact of the supply with the load during the loading stroke.

19. In a machine for filling cases with cans or similar packages, a feed, a` reciproeating plunger, a separator and a stop', means for advancing the stop in a direction opposed to the feed as the plunger is withdrawn, means for locking the stop in advanced position, means for releasing the stop on the return stroke of the plunger, the same consisting of an escapement pawl controlling the locking means and engaged by the plunger.

20. In a machine for filling cases with cans or similar packages, a feed, a reciprocating plunger, a separator and a stop, means for advancing the stop in a direction opposed to the feed, means for locking the stop in advanced position, means for releasing the stop, the same consisting of an escapement controlling the locking means and engaged by the plunger, and a guide for the plunger in the vicinity of the escapement to prevent deflection of the plunger in said operation.

21. In a machine for filling cases with cans or similar packages, feeding means consisting of a plurality of inclined tracks spaced apart in a substantially .vertical direction, a plunger reciprocating on a path transverseto the feed, the plunger carrying a plurality of plunger members elongated in the direction of feed and spaced apart to A correspond to the spacing of the tracks,

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naa-air supporting means for'the cans in continuation of each track, means for adjustin the tracks as to their width, means for a justing the tracks and supports as to their ver-` tical spacing, and means for adjusting the plunger members as to their len h.

22. ln a machine for filling cases with cans or packages, a plunger havin vertically spaced engaging members hol im, the cans, a feed consisting of a plurality o' sets of inclined tracks spaced apart in a substantially vertical direction, means for adjusting the tracks to change their trans-y verse s acing, a plurality of supports in the path o" the plunger engaging members continuous with the tracks, and means for ad# justing the tracks and supports in a verti cal direction to correspond to the adjust ment of the tracks.

5,23. lin a machine for filling cases with cans or packages, feeding means, a plunger reciprocating transverse y to the feeding means, a plurality of supports for holding the packages in the path of the plunger, the same being spaced apart in a vertical direction, the plunger having a plurality of can or package engaging members likewise spaced, saidmembers being adjustable as to their length.

9rd. lin a machine for filling cases with cans or packages, a feed consisting of a plurality of sets of inclined tracks spaced apart 1n a substantially vertical direction, means foradjusting the tracks to change their transverse spacin reciprocating load ing lmeans consisting of a plurality of plungers spaced in an upright direction, a plurality of supports beneath the path of the reci rocating means continuous with the trac rs, means for adjusting the supports and tracks to change their vertical spacing, a separator having separator lingers correspending to each support and each engaging member on the plunger, and means for adjusting said fingers in a .vertical direction.

'2b. ln a maahine for filling cases with cans or packages, feeding means, a plunger reciprocating transversely to the feeding means, a plurality of supports for holding the packages in the path of the plunger, the same being spaced apart in a vertical di rection, the plunger having a plurality of can or package engaging members vertically spaced, said-members being adjustable as to their length, i. e., in the direction of 'the feed, separating. means and a can stop at. the end of each support, and means for adjusting the normal position of the can stop-s in the direction of the feed.

26. ln a machine` for filling cases with cans or packages, a feed, a plunger, reciprocating on a path intersecting the feed, supports for holding the cans or packages in the path of the'v plunger, the same being llllll spaced transversely to the feed, the plunger having a plurality of can engaging members elongated in the direction of the feed and spaced transversely to the ,y feed" to correspondlto the spacing of the supports, separator lingers corresponding to the supports. s aced in a direction transverse to the fee and adjustable in'v the direction of spacing, can stops corresponding tol the supports and likewise vertically adjustable.

2^?. lin a machine. for lling cases with cans or packages, a feed, a plunger, reciprocating on a path intersecting the feed, su ports for holding the can or packages in the path of the plunger, the same being .verticali spaced, the plunger having a plurality o can engaging members elongated in the direction .of the feed and vertically spaced to correspond to thespacing of the supports, separator lingers corresponding to the supports vertically spaced and adjustable in the 'direction of spacing, corresponding to the supports and likewise vertically adjustable, the engagin members on the plunger being elongated in the direction of t e feed and adjustable as to their length, and means for adjusting the can stops in the direction of the feed.

28. lin a machine for lling cases with cans or similar packages, a reciprocating plunger, means for feeding cans tothe plunger consisting-of .sharply inclined channels, means for adjusting-the apparatus to accommodate diderent sized cans consistiing of bridging means removably `attached at the mouth of the channels and adapted to be replaced by other bridging means of different lengths to determine the sise ofthe opening and feeding of smallcans and opening by the larger cans.

29. ln a machine for filling cases with cans or packages, a plurality of tracks, up right supports for the same, and means for adjusting the tracks vertically consisting' of a slot and screw connection and a swinging plate for each such slot and screw connec* tion, the same being slotted transversely to the aforesaid slot to determine the points of adjustment. j

30. ln a machine for lling cases with cans or packages, a reciprocating plunger having a plurality of engaging members, means for feeding cans or packages to the plunger and supporting the cans or packages in the path of the plunger consisting of a plurality of sets of tracks spaced apart in a substantially vertical direction and a plurality of supports likewise arranged in continuationA of the tracks, means for adjusting the tracks vertically, each support resting at one end on the tracks to be adjusted therewith, and 'means for adjusting the other end of the supports,

bridging of the can stops prevent doublev titl icc

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-llli spaced and 31. In a machine for filling cases with cans or packages, a reciprocating plunger havin a plurality of engaging members space apart in a substantial y vertical direction, supports for holdin the cans'or packages in the path of each o said engaging members, a can stop adjacent the end of eac I support and an upright frame carrying the can stops, means for adjusting the frame in thev direction of the length of the supports to change the adjustment of thel stops.

32. In a machine for lling cases `with cans or packages, a ieciprocating plunger having a plurality of engaging members spacedapart in a substantial y vertical direction, supports for holding the cans or. packages in the path of each said engaging member, a can stop adjacent the end of each support and an upright frame carrying the Aso can stops, means for adjusting the frame in the direction of the length of the supports to change the adjustment of the stops, and

:means for adjusting the length ofthe en-i,

bridging means removably attached near the mouths of the channels and adapted for replacement by others of di'erent lengths for l determining the capacity of the channels,

means for adjusting the tracks and l supportsl in the direction of their spacing,

i meansfor adjusting the length of the can engaging members carried bythe plungers, can stops and meansfor adjusting the position of the can stops in the direction of the length of the tracks and supports.

34, In a machine for lling'` cases with cans or packages; avfilling plunger having a plurality of can 'engaging members spaced in a substantially vertical direction, feeding means including a plurality of vertically spaced tracks and sharply incl-ined channels, .means for adjustingv the Width of the channels and tracks, a plurality of supports for holding the cans or packages in the path of the can engaging members, bridging meansv removably attached in the mouths of the channels and adapted for replacement by others of different lengths for determining the capacity of the channels, means for adjusting the tracks and supports in ,the direction of -their spacing, means for adjusting the length of 'the can engaging members carried by the plungers inthe direction of thel feed, separatem s a'ced in a vertical direction, means for adjusting them in the direction of the spacing, can stops at the ends of the supports, means for adjusting the can stopsv in t e direction of the length of the supports and tracks, and means for adjusting them verticall 35. Ina case 'filling machine, a feed, a plunger and a separatopscan stops, means for movin the can stops'fin a direction oposed to t e feedl to receive the cans, means or moving the can stops vforward to support the load, an upright `adjustable frame carrying said stops, and means for adjusting the frame backllandforth'in'the direction of 36. In a machine 'for filling' cases with cans or similar packages, feeding means, a plunger moving on a path intersecting the feed, means lfor grouping the cansin the path of the plunger, means 'for guiding the groups of cans or packa s into the cases in the form of a funnel, t e 'ouping means being adjustable to provide or variations as to the number and diameter of the cans, and the funnel bein removably attached and .adapted for rep ac'ement by others of different sizes to-co-operate with the adjustment of the grouping means.

37. In a machine for filling cases with cans or packages, a feed, a plun er moving on a path intersecting the fee engaging means including supports for holding the cans or packages in the path of the plunger, the.' supports being vertically spaced and vertically adjustable to va the sizes of the groups, a funnel in line with the plunger, the same being Aremovably secured and adapted for replacement by others of different sizes to correspond to the variation of the sizes of the grou as to their length, supports for holding thel cans or packages in the path of each said v `10l 38., In a machine for fiilsling cases with cans 4 engaging member, a separator and a' can stop adjacent the opposite ends of the supports, 'means for'vary-ing the distance -be-.

tween the can stops and separators, a funnel to lreceive and guide the cans as thrust forward by the plunger, the funnel bein removably secured and adapted for rep acement by others of di'erent sizes to correspend to the said adjustments.

39. In a machine for iilling cases with lll cansl orpackages, feeding means, a plunger moving on a path intersecting the feeding means and having a plurality of engaging members spaced apart in a4 vertical direction, supports for holding the cans or packdistance between the can steps' and sepa- Laim ages in the path of said plunger, veut-0W sizeg to co'espend to the said adjnlstments'.

means and acan stop adjacent the pposte Slgned hyfme at Baltimore,-

ends' of the supports, means for varying the 'this 27th day of'February, v D v rators, afunnel to receive and guide the l i cans as thrust forward'hy the plunger the. WVIJIIBSSGSIIl y1- funnel being removably secured and atiapt- J. L; 'WHITEHURSM ed for lreplacement by others of dlielrent4 AMILLER; 

